ABSTRACT

Virtual Reality (VR) games and simulations are increasingly being used to provide highly interactive, engaging and contextual learning experiences for learners in otherwise risk-prone environments, such as those obtained in chemical engineering and industrial domains. Understanding the intention of users towards this technology for education and training purposes is thus of paramount importance for academics and practitioners. This study examines the perceptions of chemical engineering students and professionals towards the use of VR games for health and safety education and training, and discusses the practical implications of findings. The study found that students and professionals believe that IVR games are useful for learning. A comparison of the two groups revealed that professionals were more accepting of the technology compared to students. Students presented concerns with the use of the technology for classroom learning. The paper concludes by outlining the implications of the findings to higher education practice.

摘要

虚拟现实 (VR) 游戏和模拟越来越多地被用于为学习者在其他易受风险的环境中提供高度互动、引人入胜和情境化的学习体验，例如在化学工程和工业领域中获得的学习体验。因此，了解用户出于教育和培训目的对这项技术的意图对于学者和从业者来说至关重要。本研究调查了化学工程专业学生和专业人士对使用 VR 游戏进行健康和安全教育和培训的看法，并讨论了调查结果的实际意义。研究发现，学生和专业人士认为 IVR 游戏对学习很有用。两组的比较显示，与学生相比，专业人士更愿意接受这项技术。学生们对使用该技术进行课堂学习表示担忧。本文最后概述了研究结果对高等教育实践的影响。